1997 Lexus SC vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lexus SC would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1997 Lexus SC. (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Lexus SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lexus SC weights approximately 310 kg more than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lexus SC. (365 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lexus SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lexus SC | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SC | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
